well guys, our #5 seeds are set to play two intriguing (massive understatement) round 1 series
Luckily for me to the "C" in NBC stands for Crosby, so I should get every game. Not that anyone wants to see Wash-Bos or FLA-NJ anyway. I see 2, maybe 3 lower seeds advancing in the East.

West?? I see only the Vancanucks as clear favorites in round 1

Yep, the two first-round matchups to watch will be Phil/Pitt and Det/Nash ... I'll peek into Bos/Wash and I'm hoping for a San Jose upset of St. Louis ... definitely see the Devils getting past Florida in the East and while Phoenix may be glad finally not having Detroit in the first round, Chicago sends them home early this year.

Who's hot? Philly & Pittsburgh are, Nashville is ... San Jose typically has a great regular season, then fizzles in the playoffs; let's see if the opposite of having an average regular season translates into playoff success for them this time ... Detroit was hot earlier in the season, but cooled off right before the playoffs, key players returning from injury will get 'em on the right track.

In the West, I'm picking San Jose, Chicago, Vancouver & Detroit.

In the East, my picks are Rangers, Bruins (Washington plays absolutely NO defense, ), Devils ... and my pick for the what is going to be the absolute best first round series, the Penguins ... I base that on seeing Bryzgalov up close the past two first rounds against Detroit, but the Flyers are a better team in front of him then Pheonix was, so it's a tough call.

I'm doing what I do every year....picking Detroit and not going for anyone else

Well I shouldn't say that, I always root against the Canadian teams; except MAYBE when they are playing Pittsburgh

as an east fan, it's easy to root against everyone other than your own team; it's just natural to hate the Rangers, Devils, Canadians, Pens, etc, so I am not pulling for anyone else either

as for the west, no offense, but I'd just like to see someone different at the top, maybe PHO or Nash. I still think Det has too much experience to lose

They are still playing injured if I'm not mistaken. They haven't been doing the greatest lately, but that doesn't stop me from rooting for them

I'd like to see Nashville (finally) advance out of the first round. Got nothing but respect for how the organization is run. Plus I feel like the team gets none of the respect they deserve and have fought for. Other than tootoo it's hard to not like that team.

Sharks have enough veterans and arsenal up front to take out St Louis...but it is San Jose. Though given last 2 playoffs, don't really feel like that moniker still applies.

If the Flyers can bully the Pens enough then they could pull it off. Either way, I agree, it'll be the best series bar none.

Bruins will shut down Washington.

Pick the Coyotes over Blackhawks. Dave Tippet is the man. Though wouldn't be surprised if goes other way.

Senators, panthers, and Kings (sadly) were out before it even started.

Nice logo. Tampa is my #2 NHL team. This is due to Stevie Y being your GM, and the sweet uniforms you guys (used to) have. The ones from the last couple of years. Looks more like a blue version of the Wings uni's now.

I disagree Sharke. Pittsburgh won't be intimidated, so Philly is better off staying disciplined and playing their game. The Flyers have 8 15 goal scorers and were 3rd in the league in goals. They also know if they rough it up too much that Malkin and Crosby will get the calls, and Pitt will be on the PP all series

I'll agree. I think Crosby and Malkin would get the ref bias for when they decide to fake it. (That's not meant to be an insult)

Yeah, Pittsburgh is expecting a brawl & will be ready for it, Philly has to keep their cool and not get baited into the penalty box. You know they're going to officiate this one close because of the last regular season matchups & they can't have their marquee player (Sid) knocked out of the playoffs in the first round. Penalties & goaltending decides this one, IMO.